Dissident's Namakwa Triumphs in Stawell Gold Cup

Mark Smith - Sunday April 17

Namakwa does not yet have the black-type of his siblings, Calveen, Kosei Bay, Striker, and Fireworks, but he does have a Stawell Gold Cup.

Namakwa in full flight (image Brendan McCarthy/Racing Photos)

The 4yo son of Dissident added to the silverware of trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and country cups king, Harry Coffey when holding the fast-finishing One More Try (Dane Shadow) by a half neck in Sunday’s feature at Stawell.  

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The Frankel gelding Farooq (Frankel) was a further length and a quarter back in third.

A $100,000 purchase for First Light Racing / Ciaron Maher Racing / Paul Willets Bloodstock Consultancy from the Supreme Thoroughbreds draft at the 2019 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale,  Namakwa advances his record to four wins, one second, and a third from 12 starts with earnings of $157,875.

It’s great to see the horse return to form and great for First Light Racing, the team at home and Harry Coffey,” stable representative Georgia Lowry said.

“The whole team is flying, and everyone is digging in and doing a good job.

Time to celebrate (Brendan McCarthy/Racing Photos)

“We have a few owners on the course, and it’s great to have them back to celebrate.

 “I’m not sure what the plan is with him, whether we look for more county cups, possibly the Warrnambool Cup. I will leave that to the boys.  

Namakwa is the fifteenth and final foal of Fairway Thoroughbreds' outstanding producer Calvinia.

Namakwa a $100,000 Inglis Premier yearling

The daughter of Varick is the dam of Group 1 ARC Easter Handicap winner Calveen, Group II AJC Emancipation winner Kosi Bay, Group III ATC Widden Stakes winner Fireworks, and dual Listed winner Striker.

Fireworks (Snitzel) is the dam of this season’s Listed VRC Foundation Plate winner Millane (I Am Invincible), Striker (Van Nistelrooy) is the dam of Group II WATC West. Australian Oaks winner First Impressions. Another daughter of Calvinia,  Acacia Bay (Rodrigo De Triano), is the dam of Group III SAJC Fillies Classic winner Okahu Bay (Flying Spur), the dam of Group II winner Pareanui Bay (Lonhro).

After beginning his stud career at Newgate Farm, Horse Of The Year Dissident now stands at Riverdene Stud.

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